Tourism
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Growth of tourism
International tourism has grown rapidly since the 1950s.
International tourist arrivals have grown from 25 million in 1950 to over 1 billion today.
Growth of tourism — Key Knowledge
- Reasons for growth cheaper air travel, more disposable income, more paid holiday time, improved transport links, internet makes booking easier, greater awareness of destinations through TV and social media, package holidays, gap years and retirement travel
Physical attractions
Natural features that draw tourists to a destination.
Physical attractions are often the primary reason tourists choose a destination.
Physical attractions — Key Knowledge
- Beaches and coastlines sun, sea, sand holidays
- Mountains skiing, hiking, scenery
- Rainforests and wildlife ecotourism, safaris
- Coral reefs diving, snorkelling
- Rivers and lakes water sports, scenery
- Climate warm, sunny weather attracts tourists
Human attractions
Features created by people that attract tourists.
Many destinations combine both physical and human attractions — e.g. Rome has history, culture and Mediterranean climate.
Human attractions — Key Knowledge
- Historical buildings and monuments castles, temples, ruins
- Museums and galleries culture, art, history
- Theme parks entertainment
- Cultural festivals and events music, food, religion
- Cities shopping, nightlife, architecture
- Sport stadiums, events like the Olympics or World Cup
Economic benefits of tourism
Tourism can boost a country's economy in several ways.
Tourism is the main source of income for many developing countries and island nations.
Economic benefits of tourism — Key Knowledge
- Job creation hotels, restaurants, tour guides, transport, shops
- Foreign currency tourists spend money from abroad
- Multiplier effect tourist spending circulates through the local economy — one job supports others
- Investment in infrastructure roads, airports, utilities improved for tourists but benefit locals too
- Supports local businesses crafts, food producers, service providers
Social and cultural benefits
Tourism can bring positive social and cultural effects.
Tourism can give communities a reason to preserve their cultural heritage.
Social and cultural benefits — Key Knowledge
- Cultural exchange visitors learn about local traditions; locals experience other cultures
- Preservation historic sites and traditions maintained because they attract tourists
- Improved services healthcare, education, transport developed for tourists also serve local communities
Economic disadvantages
Tourism income is not always as beneficial as it appears.
Economic leakage can mean that as little as 20% of tourist spending stays in the local economy.
Economic disadvantages — Key Knowledge
- Economic leakage profits leave the local economy — foreign-owned hotels, imported food and goods
- Seasonal employment jobs only during peak season — insecure, low-paid
- Overdependence economy vulnerable if tourist numbers fall — natural disaster, recession, pandemic
- Rising prices locals priced out of housing and goods as costs increase for tourists
Environmental disadvantages
Mass tourism can cause significant environmental damage.
The very landscapes that attract tourists can be damaged by the tourism itself.
Environmental disadvantages — Key Knowledge
- Pollution litter, air pollution from flights and vehicles, water pollution from hotels
- Habitat destruction building resorts destroys natural environments
- Erosion footpath erosion, damage to beaches and coral reefs from overuse
- Water overuse hotels and golf courses consume large amounts in water-scarce areas
- Carbon emissions air travel is a major contributor to climate change
Social disadvantages
Tourism can create tensions between visitors and local communities.
Venice and Barcelona are examples of cities where residents have protested against overtourism.
Social disadvantages — Key Knowledge
- Overcrowding popular sites overwhelmed — reduces quality of life for residents
- Cultural erosion local traditions commercialised or lost
- Conflict tension between tourist behaviour and local customs
- Housing pressure properties converted to holiday rentals — locals can't afford to buy
Sustainable tourism
Tourism managed so it meets current needs without damaging prospects for future generations.
Sustainable doesn't mean "no tourism" — it means managing tourism so it can continue long-term.
Sustainable tourism — Key Knowledge
- Sustainable tourism balances economic benefits with environmental protection and respect for local communities
- Ecotourism small-scale, nature-focused, minimal environmental impact, educates visitors, benefits local people
- Principles reduce environmental impact, respect local culture, ensure economic benefits stay local, involve local communities in decision-making
Tourism management strategies
Practical ways to make tourism more sustainable.
Effective management requires cooperation between government, businesses and local communities.
Tourism management strategies — Key Knowledge
- Limiting visitor numbers quotas, booking systems
- Designated paths and zones prevent erosion and habitat damage
- Education and information visitor centres, signage
- Employing local people keeps economic benefits in the community
- Using local materials and food reduces leakage and transport
- Entrance fees fund conservation and maintenance
- Restricting vehicles reduces pollution and congestion
- Promoting off-peak visits spreads pressure across the year
Case study required
The spec requires a named tourism example.
The case study should cover both benefits and problems, with specific named strategies.
Case study required — Key Knowledge
- An area where tourism is important what attracts tourists, economic and environmental impacts, management strategies